The search for the 14th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan has officially commenced following a public call for applications issued by the institution.
In a notice titled “Internal/External Advertisement, Appointment of the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan,” the university’s Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, announced on Thursday that the position will become vacant on November 1, 2026.
According to the announcement, the university’s Governing Council approved the commencement of the appointment process during its meeting held on March 4, 2026.
The move signals the beginning of the selection process to appoint a successor to the current Vice Chancellor, Kayode Adebowale, whose five-year, non-renewable tenure will end later this year.
Adebowale was appointed Vice Chancellor on October 14, 2021, following a lengthy selection process that was marked by tension and controversy.
The position had earlier become vacant on December 1, 2020, but the process to appoint a new Vice Chancellor was suspended after protests and disputes led to the dissolution of the university’s governing council at the time.
A new Governing Council chaired by John Odigie-Oyegun was later inaugurated in April 2021 to restart the selection process that eventually produced Adebowale as the university’s substantive Vice Chancellor.
According to the new advertisement, applicants for the position must meet strict eligibility requirements set by the university.
Candidates must not be older than 65 years as of the expected date of assumption of office on November 1, 2026. They must also be distinguished scholars at the rank of professor with at least 10 years’ experience at that level.
The notice further states that the successful candidate must demonstrate the capacity to provide strong academic and administrative leadership, while also possessing proven integrity and the ability to command respect within national and international academic communities.
“The candidate must be a person of proven integrity; command the respect of the national and international academic communities through his or her track record; strengthen the bridges between staff, students and other members of the university community,” the notice stated.
It added that the prospective Vice Chancellor must also present a clear vision for the development of the university, maintain excellent physical and mental health and demonstrate the ability to attract funding to support the institution’s growth.
